Delhi Coaching Centre Flooding: NHRC Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance, Issues Notice To MCD Commissioner

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports concerning the tragic drowning of three students in the flooded basement library of a prominent civil services coaching centre in Delhi on July 27, 2024. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding the negligence of the authorities.

'Negligence of Authority Despite Multiple Complaints'

Expressing grave concern, the NHRC noted that multiple complaints about waterlogging had been lodged with the authorities, yet no preventive action was taken. This negligence reportedly resulted in the fatal incident, wherein approximately 35 students were present in the library when heavy rainwater inundated the basement, causing a panic situation akin to a dam burst.

NHRC Issues Notices To MCD Commissioner & Others

In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Police Commissioner, and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). They have been directed to submit a detailed report within two weeks, addressing the circumstances surrounding the incident, actions taken, and measures proposed to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Carry Out Survey To Identify Such Coaching Centres Violating Noms, NHRC Directs

The Commission has also instructed the Delhi Chief Secretary to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify coaching centres and institutes operating in violation of prescribed norms across the capital. This survey should detail the number of such establishments, pending complaints, and actions taken against negligent officers who failed to enforce regulations.

Moreover, the NHRC has requested information on the compensation provided to the families of the deceased students and the steps taken to ensure such tragic incidents do not recur.

Media reports revealed that the flooding occurred when the basement gate broke down, allowing rainwater to flow in. Despite the urgency, rescue divers arrived only after a significant delay, further exacerbating the situation. The delay in deploying water suction pumps contributed to the worsening of conditions.

This incident is not isolated; a few days prior, a civil services aspirant died from electrocution while crossing a waterlogged street, another instance of apparent official negligence that the NHRC had also taken cognizance of.